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Chelsea swoop for Schwarzer

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer, the Australian international having agreed to a one-year deal.

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer, the Australian international having agreed to a one-year deal with the UEFA Europa League holders.

Schwarzer will now look to dislodge first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech and is delighted to have become part of Mourinho's squad for the 2013-14 campaign.

"It's a phenomenal club. It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it's an honour to sign for Chelsea," he told the club's official website.

"It didn't take much convincing to come here."

"There were other interests but once I knew Chelsea was interested it was very much the case that I wanted to try and make it happen."

Schwarzer was a free agent after being released by Fulham at the end of last season, having spent five years at Craven Cottage.

The 40-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to Chelsea, having played in England for the last 15 years with Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Fulham, which just happens to be down the road from his new club.

New manager Jose Mourinho has been steadily strengthening his squad since his return to Stamford Bridge, with Andre Schuerrle and Marco van Ginkel having already signed for the London club from Bayer Leverkusen and Vitesse respectively.

Last season Schwarzer became the first overseas player to make 500 Premier League appearances.

The Australian goalkeeper has also made over 100 appearances for his country and represented them at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

Next season will hopefully end with the 40-year-old completing a hat-trick of appearances at the tournament after he helped Australia secure their place at the 2014 finals in Brazil.